BRADY HENDERSON

Wedge: ‘Good possibility’ Ichiro won’t hit leadoff in 2012

Jan 25, 2012, 7:35 PM | Updated: Jan 26, 2012, 10:02 am

By Brady Henderson

Eric Wedge sounds like he is prepared to move Ichiro out of the leadoff spot he has occupied for 11 seasons.

The Mariners manager told 710 ESPN Seattle Wednesday said there is a “good possibility” that Ichiro will hit elsewhere in the lineup in 2012.

“If you had to put a gun to my head right now I’d probably be leaning in that direction, but I’m not going to just close myself off until spring training,” Wedge said while speaking with Jim Moore and Mike Salk from the Sports Star of the Year awards banquet.

68f39450-db63-489b-af62-fd9924429e92
Ichiro

Ichiro is coming off the worst season of his 11-year MLB career. The 38-year-old right fielder hit .272, marking the first time he posted a batting average below .300. He also failed to reach 200 hits, make the All-Star team and win a Gold Glove for the first time in his career. His down season didn’t help an offense that ranked last in all of baseball in runs scored.

Wedge told 710 ESPN Seattle’s Shannon Drayer in September that he considered moving Ichiro out of the leadoff spot last season, adding: “He was open to it at that time but as we saw it through the next couple of days and seeing the domino effect it could have, I felt it was best to leave it alone.”

Wedge said Wednesday that he hasn’t made up his mind and added that he plans to speak with several Mariners, including Ichiro, in spring training to gauge their viability as potential leadoff hitters.

“I’ve got a vision in mind in regard to what I want to see happen,” he said. “Obviously I’ve got to work off of Ichiro a little bit, but ultimately I’m going to do what I think is best to give us a chance to score runs because it’s just too important for us to make a huge step for us this year offensively.”

Wedge was asked what he’d like to see from his leadoff hitter.

“I want him to get on base, I want him to see pitches, I want him to help the number two hole hitter, the number three hole hitter, the four hole hitter,” he said, adding that he also values speed and doesn’t want to see quick outs.

“So we’ll see. Ichiro is very unique, but I’ve been very frank with him and very clear in regard to what I’m looking to do, so we’ll see.”

Follow Brady Henderson on Twitter @BradyHenderson

Wyman & Bob

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Rain Showers
High 52° | Low 42°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 7:10pm

Brady Henderson

Rees Odhiambo, a 2016 third-round pick, will compete with Matt Tobin to start at left tackle. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Tom Cable: Rees Odhiambo, Matt Tobin are Seahawks’ preferred LT options

Tom Cable brought a bit of clarity to the Seahawks' plans at left tackle in the wake of George Fant's season-ending knee injury, saying Tuesday that Rees Odhiambo and newcomer Matt Tobin are the top two options.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks injury updates: George Fant set for surgery, K.J. Wright returns

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that left tackle George Fant is expected to be back by next season from the knee injury that will sideline him in 2017.

7 years ago

Matt Tobin, 27, started 21 games over seasons with the Eagles. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks acquire OL Matt Tobin in trade with Eagles

The Seahawks have acquired offensive tackle Matt Tobin in a trade with the Eagles, making another move to shore up their offensive line after losing left tackle George Fant for the season.

7 years ago

Luke Joeckel played left tackle for his first three NFL seasons. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Luke Joeckel? Rees Odhiambo? A look at the Seahawks’ LT options with George Fant out for the season

The Seahawks need a new plan at left tackle with George Fant out for the season. Moving Luke Joeckel there is one option, writes Brady Henderson.

7 years ago

Michael Bennett on Justin Britt standing by his side during the national anthem Friday night: “I ...

Brady Henderson

Justin Britt stands by Michael Bennett during national anthem: ‘A very emotional moment’

Seahawks center Justin Britt showed his support for teammate Michael Bennett Friday night, standing by him as Bennett remained seated during the national anthem.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks’ George Fant needs ACL surgery, likely out for season

The Seahawks' offensive line was dealt a massive blow with left tackle George Fant suffering a knee injury Friday night that will likely keep him out all season.

7 years ago

Wedge: ‘Good possibility’ Ichiro won’t hit leadoff in 2012